Tales of Leadership

Hosted by Joshua K. McMillion

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Episodes

121

Latest episode

Jun 2026

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EN-US

About the show

Tales of Leadership is a veteran-owned podcast built to help you learn, grow, and tell your story —so you can lead with purpose, integrity, and inspired action. If you’re ready to expand your influence, sharpen your character, and become a more Purposeful Accountable Leader (PAL) , you’re in the right place. This is your tribe—real conversations, real lessons, and practical tools to become the leader your family, your team, and your future deserve.

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June 14, 2026Episode 1211 hr 32 min

#121: Jason Sharp - What if Suffering is Your Path to Growth

We Want To Hear From You 🫡Jason Lee Sharp (born November 23, 1986) is a Chicago native, businessman, author, and soldier. He is the founder and CEO of Sharp Leader and Sherris Lounge, an infantry company commander in the Kansas Army National Guard, and the author of Eyes Wide Open: Learning to Suffer. Sharp also serves as a principal program manager at Leonardo DRS and is a member of the board of trustees at St. John’s Northwestern Academies. With a diverse background in leadership, business, and military service, he has focused his career development, growth, and mentorship.Sharp’s journey began in Chicago, where he survived a challenging childhood marked by drugs, homelessness, and the streets. After graduating from St. John’s Northwestern Military Academy, he pursued higher education at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, earning a bachelor’s degree in social welfare. Sharp went on to complete an executive MBA at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. His career spans multiple roles, including positions at Honeywell Aerospace and St. John’s Northwestern Military Academy, before he founded his consulting firm. He joined the Kansas Army National Guard in 2018 and later became an infantry company commander. In addition to his business and military leadership roles, Sharp launched the non-profit gritKC in 2023 to support youth in Kansas City.Connect with Jason Sharp:-Website: https://www.learntosuffer.com/ -Books: https://www.learntosuffer.com/books Tales of Leadership is a leadership platform dedicated to developing Purposeful Accountable Leaders (PALs) through real stories, shared experiences, and practical insight. Each episode breaks down the decisions, failures, and defining moments that shape leaders in the arena—offering honest, experience-driven lessons you can apply immediately. It’s built for those who want to grow with intention, elevate how they lead, and make a lasting impact—because leadership isn’t about rank, it’s about responsibility, and the greatest leaders live by one principle: deeds, not words. 👉🏽 Leadership Armory: https://www.talesofleaderships.com/🏔️ Looking for an incredible bourbon or spirit? 10th Mountain Whiskey & Spirits is a craft distillery that keeps the legacy of the 10th Mountain Division alive—bold, smooth, and built with purpose. 🎖️ Get 10% off with code: pandocommando👉🏽 10th Mountain Whiskey & Spirits: https://10thwhiskey.comEvery day is a gift. Don’t waste yours. — Joshua K. McMillion✅ SHARE & SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST✅ LEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW✅ APPLY ONE LESSON FROM THIS EPISODE THIS WEEKVisit Tale of Leadership Support the show

May 31, 2026Episode 12031 min

# 120: Joshua McMillion - Be All In

We Want To Hear From You 🫡In this solo episode of Tales of Leadership, Joshua McMillion breaks down what it truly means to be “all in” as a leader, husband, parent, teammate, and human being. Leadership is not built in comfort. It’s forged through adversity, discipline, accountability, and the willingness to move forward even when life feels heavy. Joshua shares the mindset and routines that have helped him navigate pressure, uncertainty, failure, and toxic leadership environments while staying committed to a mission bigger than himself. This episode challenges listeners to stop waiting for the perfect moment and start taking purposeful action right now.The episode dives into building an unreasonable mission, developing steadfast resolve through daily habits, surrounding yourself with unbreakable relationships, and cultivating resilience through deliberate discomfort. Joshua also discusses the real cost of toxic leadership and why developing Purposeful Accountable Leaders matters more than ever. This episode is a reminder that the world does not need perfect leaders — it needs leaders who are present, committed, and willing to step fully into the arena. Every day is a gift. Don’t waste yours.Tales of Leadership is a leadership platform dedicated to developing Purposeful Accountable Leaders (PALs) through real stories, shared experiences, and practical insight. Each episode breaks down the decisions, failures, and defining moments that shape leaders in the arena—offering honest, experience-driven lessons you can apply immediately. It’s built for those who want to grow with intention, elevate how they lead, and make a lasting impact—because leadership isn’t about rank, it’s about responsibility, and the greatest leaders live by one principle: deeds, not words. 👉🏽 Leadership Armory: https://www.talesofleaderships.com/🏔️ Looking for an incredible bourbon or spirit? 10th Mountain Whiskey & Spirits is a craft distillery that keeps the legacy of the 10th Mountain Division alive—bold, smooth, and built with purpose. 🎖️ Get 10% off with code: pandocommando👉🏽 10th Mountain Whiskey & Spirits: https://10thwhiskey.comEvery day is a gift. Don’t waste yours. — Joshua K. McMillion✅ SHARE & SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST ✅ LEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW ✅ APPLY ONE LESSON FROM THIS EPISODE THIS WEEKVisit Tale of Leadership Support the show

May 24, 20260 min

Trailor - Tales of Leadership

We Want To Hear From You 🫡Tales of Leadership is a leadership platform dedicated to developing Purposeful Accountable Leaders (PALs) through real stories, shared experiences, and practical insight. Each episode breaks down the decisions, failures, and defining moments that shape leaders in the arena—offering honest, experience-driven lessons you can apply immediately. It’s built for those who want to grow with intention, elevate how they lead, and make a lasting impact—because leadership isn’t about rank, it’s about responsibility, and the greatest leaders live by one principle: deeds, not words. 👉🏽 Leadership Armory: https://www.talesofleaderships.com/🏔️ Looking for an incredible bourbon or spirit? 10th Mountain Whiskey & Spirits is a craft distillery that keeps the legacy of the 10th Mountain Division alive—bold, smooth, and built with purpose. 🎖️ Get 10% off with code: pandocommando👉🏽 10th Mountain Whiskey & Spirits: https://10thwhiskey.comEvery day is a gift. Don’t waste yours. — Joshua K. McMillion✅ SHARE & SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST✅ LEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW✅ APPLY ONE LESSON FROM THIS EPISODE THIS WEEKSupport the show

April 13, 2026Episode 1191 hr 26 min

#119: David Brown - A SEAL’s Journey Against the Odds—Grit, Leadership, and Triumph

We Want To Hear From You 🫡David Brown is a graduate of BUD/S class115 and member of Underwater Demolition Team 21 and SEAL Team 4. David went on to conduct Navy special warfare deployments in Central and South America, Europe the middle east and Africa. Later he served the federal government as a Special Agent for 28 years, retiring as a Senior Executive. David’s latest venture is a new book about perseverance, overcoming obstacles, and becoming a Navy SEAL by former Navy SEAL David "Brownie" Brown and NY Times Bestselling author Bob Gettlin.Connect with David Brown:-Website: www.udtdave.com -YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UDTDaveTales of Leadership is a leadership platform dedicated to developing Purposeful Accountable Leaders (PALs) through real stories, shared experiences, and practical insight. Each episode breaks down the decisions, failures, and defining moments that shape leaders in the arena—offering honest, experience-driven lessons you can apply immediately. It’s built for those who want to grow with intention, elevate how they lead, and make a lasting impact—because leadership isn’t about rank, it’s about responsibility, and the greatest leaders live by one principle: deeds, not words. 👉🏽 Leadership Armory: https://www.talesofleaderships.com/🏔️ Looking for an incredible bourbon or spirit? 10th Mountain Whiskey & Spirits is a craft distillery that keeps the legacy of the 10th Mountain Division alive—bold, smooth, and built with purpose. 🎖️ Get 10% off with code: pandocommando👉🏽 10th Mountain Whiskey & Spirits: https://10thwhiskey.comEvery day is a gift. Don’t waste yours. — Joshua K. McMillion✅ SHARE & SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST✅ LEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW✅ APPLY ONE LESSON FROM THIS EPISODE THIS WEEKVisit Tale of Leadership Support the show

March 15, 2026Episode 1181 hr 4 min

#118: Joe Byerly - From Green Notebooks to Lasting Leadership Lessons

We Want To Hear From You 🫡Joe Byerly is a combat arms officer with over 20 years of experience in both combat and training environments, serving at levels ranging from the tactical to the strategic. Passionate about leader development, he created this platform to help leaders share lessons learned from their own experiences, captured in their "green notebooks." Throughout his career, he has been fortunate to have mentors who encouraged him to read, write, and publish. Joe has contributed articles to notable publications such as ARMY Magazine, Military Review, Strategy Bridge, Small Wars Journal, Task and Purpose, and Foreign Policy. Featured on Forbes and a frequent guest on leadership podcasts, Joe has also spoken at prominent events, including the Annual AUSA Conference, the Future of War Conference, and the Defense Entrepreneurs Forum Annual Conference.Connect with Joe Byerly:-Website: https://fromthegreennotebook.com/ -LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/joe-byerly-bb67a377 Tales of Leadership is a leadership platform dedicated to developing Purposeful Accountable Leaders (PALs) through real stories, shared experiences, and practical insight. Each episode breaks down the decisions, failures, and defining moments that shape leaders in the arena—offering honest, experience-driven lessons you can apply immediately. It’s built for those who want to grow with intention, elevate how they lead, and make a lasting impact—because leadership isn’t about rank, it’s about responsibility, and the greatest leaders live by one principle: deeds, not words. 👉🏽 Leadership Armory: https://www.talesofleaderships.com/🏔️ Looking for an incredible bourbon or spirit? 10th Mountain Whiskey & Spirits is a craft distillery that keeps the legacy of the 10th Mountain Division alive—bold, smooth, and built with purpose. 🎖️ Get 10% off with code: pandocommando👉🏽 10th Mountain Whiskey & Spirits: https://10thwhiskey.comEvery day is a gift. Don’t waste yours. — Joshua K. McMillion✅ SHARE & SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST✅ LEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW✅ APPLY ONE LESSON FROM THIS EPISODE THIS WEEKVisit Tale of Leadership Support the show

February 15, 2026Episode 1171 hr 9 min

#117: Brad Smith - How Purpose, Grit, and AI Are Rebuilding West Virginia

We Want To Hear From You 🫡Brad D. Smith became president of Marshall University in January 2022 after a globally recognized career in leadership and philanthropy. Formerly CEO and executive chairman of Intuit, Brad co-founded the Wing 2 Wing Foundation with his wife, Alys, to support education and entrepreneurship in Appalachia. The foundation's Ascend WV program recruits remote workers to West Virginia. A Marshall alumnus with a bachelor’s in business administration, Brad is committed to empowering future leaders. A proud “boy from Kenova,” Brad champions opportunities for his home state and its people. 🫡 Our mission is simple: To develop Purposeful Accountable Leaders — PALs — who do the right thing because it is the right thing to do and choose people over ego. Tales of Leadership shares real-world lessons, hard-earned wisdom, and practical tools that equip you to step into the arena, lead with purpose, live with integrity, and make an inspired impact. Whether you are leading yourself, your family, an organization, or your community, we stand beside you as you become the leader this world needs. 👉🏽 Leadership Armory: https://www.talesofleaderships.com/🏔️ Looking for an incredible bourbon or spirit? 10th Mountain Whiskey & Spirits is a craft distillery that keeps the legacy of the 10th Mountain Division alive—bold, smooth, and built with purpose. 🎖️ Get 10% off with code: pandocommando👉🏽 10th Mountain Whiskey & Spirits: https://10thwhiskey.comEvery day is a gift. Don’t waste yours. — Joshua K. McMillion✅ SHARE & SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST✅ LEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW✅ APPLY ONE LESSON FROM THIS EPISODE THIS WEEKVisit Tale of Leadership Support the show

January 15, 2026Episode 1161 hr 11 min

#116: Mike Durnin - How Servant Leadership Turns Tragedy Into Purpose

We Want To Hear From You 🫡Mike has dedicated his career to higher education, serving as a football coach, instructor, and administrator at multiple colleges and universities. Throughout his tenure, he contributed to several conference championships, coached numerous All-Conference and All-American athletes, and mentored countless current teachers and coaches across the Midwest and beyond. As the President and Founder of Via Crucis Leadership, LLC, Mike is a dynamic speaker who brings passion, humor, and heartfelt stories to audiences. He emphasizes essential leadership skills based upon his “Handful of L’s” as a foundation for those striving to navigate and lead in today’s complex, “Chaordic” world (forces of chaos & order colliding). Guided by his mission of “1-0 Every Day in Every Way: Living life creating a transformation of self and others.” Mike inspires individuals to unlock their potential, embrace resilience, and foster meaningful change in themselves and others. Mike also serves as the President of the Chris Norton Foundation and was featured in the acclaimed documentary “7 Yards.” He holds a Doctor of Ministry degree and continues to lead with purpose and impact.🫡 Our mission is simple: To develop Purposeful Accountable Leaders — PALs — who do the right thing because it is the right thing to do and choose people over ego. Tales of Leadership shares real-world lessons, hard-earned wisdom, and practical tools that equip you to step into the arena, lead with purpose, live with integrity, and make an inspired impact. Whether you are leading yourself, your family, an organization, or your community, we stand beside you as you become the leader this world needs. 👉🏽 Leadership Armory: https://www.talesofleaderships.com/🏔️ Looking for an incredible bourbon or spirit? 10th Mountain Whiskey & Spirits is a craft distillery that keeps the legacy of the 10th Mountain Division alive—bold, smooth, and built with purpose. 🎖️ Get 10% off with code: pandocommando👉🏽 10th Mountain Whiskey & Spirits: https://10thwhiskey.comEvery day is a gift. Don’t waste yours. — Joshua K. McMillion✅ SHARE & SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST✅ LEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW✅ APPLY ONE LESSON FROM THIS EPISODE THIS WEEKVisit Tale of Leadership Support the show

December 15, 2025Episode 1151 hr 16 min

#115: Ben Eden - From HR Executive to Purpose-Driven Coach

We Want To Hear From You 🫡Ben Eden is a keynote speaker, leadership consultant, and the creator of the Eden Model, a transformative framework designed to help high-achieving leaders evolve from the inside out. With a background as an HR executive and as the author of How We See Ourselves, Ben has developed a unique ability to guide successful business owners and corporate leaders who, despite their outward achievements, seek greater clarity, balance, and fulfillment. Ben specializes in helping those who carry the weight of performance realign with their true selves, enabling them to lead with increased confidence, deeper connections, and greater time freedom. His work combines practical leadership wisdom with profound insights into personal identity, making him a sought-after guide for leaders looking to make meaningful transformations.Connect with Ben Eden:- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benedenspeaks/- Book: https://howweseeourselves.com/ 🫡 Our mission is simple: To develop Purposeful Accountable Leaders — PALs — who do the right thing because it is the right thing to do and choose people over ego. Tales of Leadership shares real-world lessons, hard-earned wisdom, and practical tools that equip you to step into the arena, lead with purpose, live with integrity, and make an inspired impact. Whether you are leading yourself, your family, an organization, or your community, we stand beside you as you become the leader this world needs. 👉🏽 Leadership Armory: https://www.talesofleaderships.com/🏔️ Looking for an incredible bourbon or spirit? 10th Mountain Whiskey & Spirits is a craft distillery that keeps the legacy of the 10th Mountain Division alive—bold, smooth, and built with purpose. 🎖️ Get 10% off with code: pandocommando👉🏽 10th Mountain Whiskey & Spirits: https://10thwhiskey.comEvery day is a gift. Don’t waste yours. — Joshua K. McMillion✅ SHARE & SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST✅ LEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW✅ APPLY ONE LESSON FROM THIS EPISODE THIS WEEKVisit Tale of Leadership Support the show

November 15, 2025Episode 1141 hr 22 min

#114 Robert Yarnall - From Battlefield Lessons to Everyday Leadership

We Want To Hear From You 🫡Robert Yarnall is the VP of Development & Impact at the Robert Irvine Foundation. A retired Master Gunnery Sergeant with 25 years of service in the USMC, Robert also spent 20 years as a civics teacher and coach. In addition to his military and teaching career, he is a community leader, involved in local government and charitable organizations, and a small business owner.Connect with Robert Yarnall:-LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-yarnall-the-mission-makers/-Website: https://robertirvinefoundation.org/-YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RobertIrvineFoundation🫡 Our mission is simple: To develop Purposeful Accountable Leaders — PALs — who do the right thing because it is the right thing to do and choose people over ego. Tales of Leadership shares real-world lessons, hard-earned wisdom, and practical tools that equip you to step into the arena, lead with purpose, live with integrity, and make an inspired impact. Whether you are leading yourself, your family, an organization, or your community, we stand beside you as you become the leader this world needs. 👉🏽 Leadership Armory: https://www.talesofleaderships.com/🏔️ Looking for an incredible bourbon or spirit? 10th Mountain Whiskey & Spirits is a craft distillery that keeps the legacy of the 10th Mountain Division alive—bold, smooth, and built with purpose. 🎖️ Get 10% off with code: pandocommando👉🏽 10th Mountain Whiskey & Spirits: https://10thwhiskey.comEvery day is a gift. Don’t waste yours. — Joshua K. McMillion✅ SHARE & SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST✅ LEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW✅ APPLY ONE LESSON FROM THIS EPISODE THIS WEEKVisit Tale of Leadership Support the show

October 13, 2025Episode 1131 hr 18 min

#113 Isaac Lee - From Cockpit to Corporate: A Marine's Leadership Journey

We Want To Hear From You 🫡Isaac G. Lee, a native of Lubbock, Texas, is a graduate of Texas Tech University and a retired Marine Corps officer and aviator. Over his two decades of service, Isaac completed seven overseas deployments, including four combat tours in the Middle East. He served as the Commanding Officer of an operational CH-53E squadron before retiring in 2017. Now residing in San Diego, California, Isaac works as an operations executive and dedicates his free time to volunteering for fellow veterans and enjoying time with his family. A fan of baseball and football, Isaac is also the author of HANGAR 4, his first book.Connect with Isaac Lee:- Website: isaacglee.com- IG: @isaacgleewriter- Facebook: Isaac G Lee🫡 Our mission is simple: To develop Purposeful Accountable Leaders — PALs — who do the right thing because it is the right thing to do and choose people over ego. Tales of Leadership shares real-world lessons, hard-earned wisdom, and practical tools that equip you to step into the arena, lead with purpose, live with integrity, and make an inspired impact. Whether you are leading yourself, your family, an organization, or your community, we stand beside you as you become the leader this world needs. 👉🏽 Leadership Armory: https://www.talesofleaderships.com/🏔️ Looking for an incredible bourbon or spirit? 10th Mountain Whiskey & Spirits is a craft distillery that keeps the legacy of the 10th Mountain Division alive—bold, smooth, and built with purpose. 🎖️ Get 10% off with code: pandocommando👉🏽 10th Mountain Whiskey & Spirits: https://10thwhiskey.comEvery day is a gift. Don’t waste yours. — Joshua K. McMillion✅ SHARE & SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST✅ LEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW✅ APPLY ONE LESSON FROM THIS EPISODE THIS WEEKVisit Tale of Leadership Support the show